Yggdrasil has announced a partnership with Lottomart, a UK-based online operator, to introduce its extensive gaming portfolio on Lottomart’s platform. This collaboration grants Lottomart access to Yggdrasil’s full range of games, including those with Yggdrasil’s innovative Game Engagement Mechanics (GEMs).
This partnership marks a significant step for Yggdrasil in expanding its presence across Europe, building upon its first launch on the continent back in 2016. Lottomart, known for offering a diverse array of products to its UK players, including over 2,500 casino, lottery, and scratch card games, now adds Yggdrasil’s portfolio to its lineup.
Jose Simon, Yggdrasil’s Commercial Director, emphasised Lottomart’s reputation for providing a leading online casino experience featuring top-tier games from renowned providers worldwide. Simon highlighted the mutual benefit, stating: “We are thrilled to join their list of trusted partners.”
Furthermore, Simon underlined the importance of the UK market for Yggdrasil, noting the positive resonance their games have received among local players. He said: “Partnering with Lottomart allows us to bring our games to an even wider audience of slot enthusiasts, strengthening our foothold in this key market.”
Meanwhile, the Dutch gaming affiliate trade group, KVA, has published research indicating that minors are accessing gambling sites via unlicensed platforms. This report has been shared with the Dutch gambling regulator, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), as well as operator associations NOGA and VNLOK.
The research highlights how underage individuals can easily create accounts with just an email or phone number, gaining immediate access to real-money gambling services. These accounts are funded through youth bank accounts or anonymous cryptocurrency transactions, methods prohibited for licensed operators. The KVA has emphasised the challenge of distinguishing illegal casinos from the licensed ones.
VNLOK Chair Helma Lodders has expressed alarm over the findings, while NOGA Managing Director Peter-Paul de Goeij has stressed how such incidents erode trust in the regulated gambling sector.
Additionally, the KVA pointed out that recent advertising restrictions require regulated operators to ensure that the vast majority of their visitors are above 24 years old. Furthermore, the Netherlands has banned radio, TV, print, and untargeted online gambling advertisements. These measures have significantly impacted affiliates, necessitating substantial technical adjustments and leading to contract losses with operators in certain cases.
In another development, licensed operators face the prospect of a gambling tax hike from 30.5% to 37.8%. NOGA has cautioned that such a move could backfire by driving more players towards unlicensed operators, who are not subject to taxation.
Earlier, a narrow majority of Dutch House of Representatives members voted in favour of motions advocating the prohibition of online slots. This move also could drive players to black market gambling.
